65 habitats and 212 plant species are listed as Priorities on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Listing on Local BAPs is variable.

The most ecologically important habitats tend to be those that have been undisturbed for many years, un-improved by farming practices, have taken years to become established and/or support populations of ecologically important species. The latter means that even seemingly common place habitats such as native scrub and coarse grassland, as are often found on brownfield sites, could be indirectly protected.